I do apologise for the delay. But I'm blaming it all on the most wonderful distraction of the sweetest girl. She is also the reason that I haven't given up on this story or having this sweet romance end in utter disaster. Of cure all my AMAZING readers and reviewers have a lot of credit for that too, you rock!
Still, writing about great love is so much easier when you have the best inspiration in the world. I love you Angelique…. And you'd better start reading Harry Potter:)
So, much more to come my darlings, I will do better in updating from now on. I've kind been stuck writing CSI fanfics :P
Enjoy!

Love,
Jellicos

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Chapter thirteen: Breakfast

As he reached the great hall for breakfast, Albus Dumbledore was surprised at how calm it was.

Sure there where whispers, laughter and talking amongst the students. But that was nothing out of the ordinary.

Both Severus and Minerva where sitting in their usual seats and talking to their colleagues. Nothing seemed different. It took him a few moments to register the very high collar on Minerva's robes. She however ignored his questioning gaze and it seemed like she had made it quite clear to everyone that this was not up for discussion.

Quite content, Albus sat down in his chair beside his headmistress and looked over the crowd of chattering students. Only now did he realize that the Gryffindor table was unusually empty. Neither Ms Granger nor Mr Longbottom where in sight. He noticed a few other unclaimed seats and realised that there must be at least two other Gryffindors missing from breakfast this day.

He looked over at his professors, but neither Minerva nor Severus showed the slightest hint that they knew anything about the whereabouts of their students.

Albus sighed. This was going to be a very long week indeed.

Minerva had indeed no knowledge of Hermione's whereabouts during breakfast.

They had agreed not to go down together. Hermione would have to go back to her dormitory and the two of them where to meet at noon to talk.

But With Albus by her side, Minerva was not about to venture the task of letting her gaze wander for her lover. Instead she turned to her old friend with a smile.

"Good morning Albus." She said, realising to her own irritation that she was already sounding like a school girl in love.

"Good morning Minerva." Albus replied with a smile. His eyes darted towards the collar of her robes. "New addition to your wardrobe?" He asked and as Minerva's expression threatened to turn her cheery mood into complete silence he quickly added. "I like it." With an approving glance. "Very fashionable."

"Thank you Albus." There was more emotion in those words than from a mere compliment and they both understood each other. Albus had conveyed his approval for their relationship as long as he did not notice. And Minerva knew it.

Then there was the matter of Severus Snape. Suddenly Albus felt extremely tired.

He cared deeply for his friend and colleague, but the thought of addressing the issue of young Mr Longbottom was one he dreaded.

And Severus showed no sign as to be interested in acknowledging the events of the night before as he alternated between small talk with professor Flitwick and starring out at the crowd of students.

Well, a good breakfast would be in order. Albus Dumbledore reasoned as he sighed before helping himself to the scrambled eggs.

Hermione Granger had managed to sneak into the dormitory undetected. Almost everyone was already down for breakfast and she had changed clothes in a hurry.

It wasn't until she was crossing the common room on her way to the great hall that she even noticed anyone of her house mates.

"Late night Hermione?" A soft voice asked from behind one of the red armchairs.

"Ginny! You scared me!" Hermione turned to see her friend grinning at her from across the room. "Why aren't you eating breakfast?"

"Why?" Ginny's grin broadened as she leaned back into the chair. "Because my best friend left the ball and didn't come back until oh..." She paused to check the time. "About ten minutes ago."

Hermione blushed. She'd been caught. With a sigh she lunged down in the chair opposite Ginny and watched her friend.

"What happened after I left?" She asked, hoping to delay the interrogation a while longer.

"Oh, you missed quite a show." Ginny said and started to inform her of the spectacle Neville and Snape had made at the ball. Hermione's eyes grew wider with every sentence the redhead spoke.

"Oh dear… I guess that spell may have been a little too effective." She stated after Ginny had retold the events.

"Well, enough stalling 'Mione." Ginny smirked. "Still a virgin?"

"Ginny!" Hermione squeaked, shocked at her friends boldness.

"Well, I had to ask." Ginny said with a shrug. "So?"

Hermione didn't answer but her blushing cheeks and averted gaze was enough to send the youngest Weasly into a giddy frenzy.

"I knew it!" She exclaimed delighted.

"Sssh! Keep your voice down Gin!" Hermione gestured and looked around in panic.

"There is no one in here." Ginny looked at her as if offended. "You think I didn't check?"

"Sorry." Hermione mumbled, knowing full well that her friend would never put her in that position. But Ginny just smiled.

"Now tell me!" She said, getting comfortable in her chair and looking at the blushing Hermione demanding the entire story.

It seemed different somehow, standing outside these familiar mahogany doors. She wasn't sure if it where the doors themselves or her that was different. But in all logic it must be her.

It was noon when Hermione found herself knocking on Minerva McGonagall's office door. She was surprised when she didn't hear the familiar voice ring through them to tell her to enter. But a second later she was greeted by a smiling Minerva opening the doors for her.

"Come in Hermione." She said and Hermione stepped inside the office doors. "Can I get you some t-" Minerva's offer was cut mid sentence by lips pressing against her own, Unable to make any resistance to the desire burning within her, Minerva wrapped her arms around her young lover and pulled her closer. As Hermione laced her fingers over her neck to pull her deeper, a moan escaped Minerva and she lost all thought of what they where supposed to be doing.

Reluctantly Hermione pulled away again. Her deep desire for the woman in front of her had gotten the better of her and those lips had just pulled her in like a magnet. Light-headed and drunk on her lovers taste, she knew she owed Minerva more, so she had broken the tender kiss when oxygen had become an issue.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself." She whispered, still holding the raven-haired beauty close. "It has been three hours since I kissed you last." She smiled at her own excuse, but she wasn't prepared for the sadness that suddenly filled the emerald eyes in front of her.

"Minerva?" Hermione watched her anxiously but the older woman averted her gaze and tuned away from her.

"We need to talk…" The tone in Minerva's voice forcefully crushed Hermione to the floor. Those words where never good.

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Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevil cliffie:)